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Monday, December 27, 2010

"There, but for the grace of God, go I".I thought this was a proverb from the Bible.My mistake.It is a quote by John Bradford,made in the mid-sixteenth-century.It kept ringing in my ears on Christmas Day.

Mike and I volunteered to help serve mealsto needy families in our community.The atmosphere was festive,live Christmas music, Santa, and lots of delicious hot food.There were 800 meals served.That number included meals delivered to shut-ins.

I can't begin to tell you how much joywas in the room!The children were excited to get a gift from Santa.Maybe the only one they received this year.People lingered over coffee, talking and singing.Having an extra serving of pie.

I know it sounds corny, like in the movies, butit warmsyour soul.Making your blessings even more appreciated!After 60 odd years,I found the true feeling of Christmas!

Ohhhhh....I hope you had warm and wonderful weekend.And that Santa was extra good to you.

I did get a little sewing done. And lots of ripping!I'm making the chain blocks for the Snow Bound quilt.Scrappy red and white.I'm tempted to stitch another set of blocks in blue.It was so much fun!

I'm heading out tomorrow to pick up a couple grand kids.Bring them back to "Grandmaville"Plan to see the Yogi Bear movie for the 7 year oldand go bowling.Bake cookies with my 10 year old grand daughter andhope we get a little stitching time together.

Friday, December 24, 2010

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Did you think I forgot about you?I drew the winners Sunday morningand had good intentions of posting.BUT........life got in the way!

On Saturday we went to see my granddaughterplayin her first-ever basketball tournament.She was so nervous!But after "settling down" the team did GREAT!No girls sports back in thecovered wagon days when I went to school.I'm so proud of her!

And now what you really stopped in to see.

The winner is number 2...Kris from Simplify!

And number 13!John'aLee from The Scrappy Appleyard.Ladies, send me an email with your addressand I'll get your pin cushion in the mail.

Monday, December 13, 2010

I searched the web for a free patternand couldn't believe all the possibilities.Here are the 2 sites that I used for inspiration.Both have excellent tutorialswith lots of photos.Of course, I made a few minor changes.

Instead of cutting 8 separate wedges I pieced a 4 patch.4-4" squares for small 6" circle.4-5" squares for large 8" circle.

Then,using my circle template, cut out my circles.A few of the pin cushions have a solid piece for the back.Others the 4 patch.

What is this?My filler.Ground English Walnut Shells.I read about it on several sites.AndAlex Anderson uses this in her pin cushions.Makes them "weighty" and helps keep needles sharp.I found this large bag for $9.99 at my local pet store.Enough to fill more pin cushions than I can make!

I also used this long needle.Left over from the 80's (used for doll sculpture).Don't even ask.

I used 7/8"covered buttons for the top.And a regular button for the bottom.Chained stitched around the seamwith 6 strands of matching floss.A little extra detail.

This one is made from an old linen dish towelthat was stained beyond use.And wool. I used iron on interfacing for backing the wool & linento keep the filling from seeping out.And found the perfect button in my button jar.I knew I saved all those strays for a reason!

In this season of "giving"I'd like to send one of my dear blog readersa few "seasoned" cookbooks and a pin cushion.Just leave a comment.I'll draw a name on Saturday.Or two.I have enough crushed walnut fillingthat's for sure!

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Ohhhh, look at this cute Christmas picture I made!It was so easy to do.Click on over toTara at Just Devine Style for your free copy.Here's how I did it.I printed the image on my computer using glossy photo paper.Spray painted an old frame red.Covered the matte with perfect ribbon I foundat Michaels.All 3 colors were on one spool. Cost $1.50!And ta da.....

I found this ribbon idea on line atone of the "linky parties"and can't remember where.All the Christmas ideas floating around the webmakes my head spin!

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

My front porch WELCOME.This is the treasure I found atApple Butter House on our girls day out.He's just perfect with the twinkle lights.

I bought this large basket last year from Caroline.Empty.I arranged the evergreens and added the red polka dot ribbon.I had it on my front door but sincewe added a storm door it doesn't fit in between.Do you have that problem to?Pardon the large black nail.It's just temporary.Did you notice that "white stuff" falling?

This round wreath is on my back door into the garage.There's those red polka dots again.You know what they say"Back door guests are always best"

My fireplace mantel.I'm still not finished fessing with it.Those never used white linen embroiderednapkins came in handy.Thanks Kel.

Our visit to St Louis was fantastic!Family gatherings full of laughter & hugs.I was so disappointed that BOTH quilt shopsin the area were closed when I was able to sneak out.

I've been busy the past couple days with laundry(the worst part of travel) andgoing thru my Christmas decorations.But I have been working on a few projects I will share soon.Still going to physical therapy 2 times a week.My arm is improving but having a difficult time with shoulder movement.Which makes it almost impossible to quilt without pain.

Does anyone know where I could find directions for crocheting over rick rack?I've searched the web and can't find anything.My grandma made the prettiest trims for towelsusing this technique. Unfortunately, I didn't appreciate it at the time, and declined her offer to teach me to do it. I thought it was "old lady" work.Oh Grandma, I'm so sorry now......

Before I run off I want to share with you the cutest, I mean cutest, Christmas video for children.If your a Grandma (or mama) check it out.Simple to do. You just fill in the blanks andSanta talks to your child. Here's the link to the card I made for my grandsonso you can see what I'm talking about.Message from Santa to Aiden

Just a few of the cute displays.I wish I could set my tree in a metal bucket or basket.Isn't that just the cutest!And a new purpose for an old boot.Next week I'll show you what treasure I found for my front porch.

Meanwhile, I've been stitching some red work.Here are the October & November blocks from Snowbound.I've gotta get them in the mail tomorrow.Carolyn, I haven't forgotten you!!Just one more block!I can't wait to see your finished quilt.I've been collecting reds and whites,one fat quarter at a time.

And do you remember Anne'sA Tiskit A TasketBOM from last year?Well, I'm almost done. Just 2 more blocks to finish(on our road trip to St Louis).You can see I added some lattice to the basketsto fill in the empty space.I love how they turned out!

Here's a project I've been working on in Photo Shop.Family Rules.I'm taking one to each family we are visiting with in St Louis. This sub way art is really the rage in all the "up scale" catalogs" this year.Well.....a girl has to stay busy... even with a broken arm!

I made a "font" list.It's amazing all the free font sites on the web.These are from Scrap Village.